EP4319892A1

EP4319892A1 - Device for training the pelvic floor muscles

Info

Publication number: EP4319892A1
Application number: EP22717606.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wendelin Kilian Egli; Fritz Fuchs
Original assignee: Alonea Ag
Current assignee: Alonea Ag
Priority date: 2021-04-07
Filing date: 2022-03-24
Publication date: 2024-02-14
Also published as: EP4070861A1; WO2022214329A1; CN117157126A; JP2024513164A; US20240149112A1

Abstract

The training device (9), which is provided for training parts of the body of a female user, more particularly the hip, gluteal or pelvic muscles or the arm muscles, comprises: - a compressive-force receiver (1), which can be deformed under the action of muscle force and which has a pressure chamber (10) containing a gel-like, liquid or gaseous medium; - a base (2), which can be supported on an underlying surface and is used to hold the compressive-force receiver (1); and - at least one measuring sensor (51), such as a pressure sensor or a force sensor, with which the medium is in contact and by means of which the pressure of the medium in the pressure chamber (10) can be measured. According to the invention: the compressive-force receiver (1) comprises an elastically deformable first receiver part (11) and a second receiver part (12), which are interlockingly, frictionally or integrally interconnected; the first receiver part (11) comprises a wall system (15), which is used to receive the muscle force and which delimits the pressure chamber (10) at the top of the pressure chamber and laterally; the second receiver part (12) comprises a bottom floor (16), which delimits the pressure chamber (10) at the bottom of the pressure chamber and which adjoins the wall system (15); the second receiver part (12) preferably has a lower elasticity than the first receiver part (11) parallel to the direction in which the muscle force acts; and the second receiver part (12) is releasably, interlockingly or frictionally, or integrally connected to the base (2).

Description

Device for training the pelvic floor muscles

The invention relates to a device for training the pelvic floor muscles and optionally other parts of the body, such as the arm muscles and hand muscles.

The pelvic floor is the lower end of the small pelvis. It consists of three layers of muscle, which have only narrow openings for the intestines, urinary and genital organs. From the inside outwards, these are the pelvic diaphragm as the strongest, largest layer, the urogenital diaphragm, a trapezoidal muscle plate that is covered on both sides by strong connective tissue, and the outer sphincter muscle layer, which comprises various muscles as the outer pelvic floor muscles. The three muscle layers are arranged in a fan-like manner one on top of the other and are connected to one another at several points via muscle fibers and fascia.

The muscle system described is therefore of central importance for the body condition and numerous bodily functions as well as posture and well-being and should always be kept in good condition through physical exercise.

US2010262049A1 discloses a pelvic floor exercise device for stimulating the pelvic floor muscles, comprising a tubular compression force transducer which is deformable within the crotch of a human body by operating the muscle system of the pelvic floor muscles. The tubular compression force transducer consists of an elastic cylinder that is filled with a liquid and sealed on both sides.

Forces exerted on the tube-shaped pressure force transducer can be detected by means of a sensor, so that the current training and the training progress can be monitored. A pressure sensor is installed on one end face of the tubular pressure force transducer, by means of which the muscle contraction can be recorded.

The disadvantage of this device is that the tubular pressure transducer, which is inserted into a seat, hardly allows optimal training of the relevant part of the user's body. The part of the body to be trained is only in a relative small area on the hose-shaped pressure force transducer, which is why on the one hand only a small part of the musculature is in contact with the pressure force transducer and is trained and on the other hand undesirable pressure points can occur.

Another disadvantage is that the training device is not easy to clean and may not meet the hygiene requirements of the user. Liquid and dirt can possibly spread along the hose-shaped pressure force transducer and penetrate into adjacent cracks or gaps and can only be removed again with considerable effort and after dismantling the hose-shaped pressure force transducer.

US2015273270A1 discloses a pelvic floor training device with a seat that can be connected to a pressure transducer that has a longitudinally extending hollow body with an interior space. A medium is provided in the interior of the hollow body, which medium is suitable for transmitting a pressure that is exerted by a user on the pressure force transducer. The hollow body comprises a first fixed end piece and a second fixed end piece which are kept spaced apart from one another by a spacer element and are connected to one another by a flexible outer shell which defines a closed interior space. The medium, the spacer element and a pressure or force measuring device are arranged in the interior space, by means of which a pressure exerted by the outer shell on the medium can be measured. This training device is complex to manufacture and can hardly be adapted to the needs of the user. The two end pieces are to be manufactured separately with a corresponding amount of effort and then to be tightly connected to the outer shell using a correspondingly complex work process. The spacer element must then be inserted in the interior and the interior filled with the medium and sealed tightly.

US2007142191A1 discloses a pelvic floor training device with a modular pressure transducer that can be inserted into a shell-shaped body and is held therein in such a way that the pressure transducer can only expand in one direction with a conical end piece. The conical end piece works via a pressure distributor and a pressure conductor to a pressure sensor, which emits an electrical signal that depends on the pressure that results when a force is applied to the pressure transducer.

This pelvic floor exerciser thus comprises several parts which interact with one another and must therefore always be kept in correct contact with one another. Therefore, several parts have to be manufactured separately and connected to one another with corresponding expenditure. The compression force transducer is to be inserted into the cup-shaped body, after which the cup-shaped body is to be inserted into a base plate. As a result, a housing in which the pressure sensor is arranged is to be connected to the base plate. The pressure sensor is to be arranged in such a way that it is correctly brought into contact with the conical end piece of the pressure transducer via the pressure distributor and the pressure conductor.

The power transmission from the user's body to the pressure sensor thus takes place in stages and indirectly via a number of interacting parts. A pressure is transmitted to the shell-shaped body and from there to the pressure force transducer, which, by deformation and deflection of the conical end piece, transmits the pressure via the pressure distributor and the pressure conductor to the pressure sensor. The multiple transitions of the pressure from one part of the device to the other result not only in a complex system, but also in an imprecise measurement. The force that has to be applied to deform the shell-shaped body is not detected by the pressure sensor. The deflection of the conical end piece of the pressure force transducer is therefore not proportional to the force exerted by the user on the shell-shaped body. It should be noted that the flexible compression force transducer may also expand in other directions.

The device parts described, which are used for power transmission, are also typically subject to wear and tear, which is why the training device is susceptible to repairs.

Furthermore, the device requires a considerable amount of cleaning, especially if cleaning occurs between the parts of the device pollution is to be eliminated. In this case, the training device must be disassembled and the individual parts cleaned. Dirt particles that are not easy to remove can collect inside the bowl-shaped body.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of creating an improved training device for pelvic floor training.

The training device should have a simple structure so that it can be manufactured inexpensively and is largely wear-free and therefore maintenance-free.

The training device should be able to be completely cleaned with minimal effort and within a very short time, so that hygienic training is always guaranteed. Especially in training centers, the training device should be able to be used by several people within short intervals, who can clean the training device within a few seconds when leaving.

The training device should work precisely so that training results can be recorded exactly and unadulterated.

The training device should allow improved interaction between the part of the body to be trained and the pressure force transducer, so that all elements of the muscle system can be trained effectively. The training device should therefore make it possible to achieve better training results.

The training device should preferably be able to be individually adapted to the needs of each user. The training device should be adaptable with simple measures to users whose physical dimensions differ significantly from each other.

Painful pressure points should not occur even after prolonged training with the training device. The training device should therefore provide a pleasant feeling of training, so that it is used intensively. The training device should be improved in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Furthermore, the training device should be able to be manufactured and put into operation in an advantageous manner.

The training device should also be suitable for training other parts of the body, in particular for training the arm muscles and the hand muscles.

This problem is solved with a training device according to claim 1. Advantageous configurations of the invention are defined in further claims.

The training device, which is provided for training body parts of a user, if necessary a user, in particular the hip muscles, buttocks or pelvic muscles or the arm muscles, comprises at least one pressure force transducer that can be deformed under the action of muscle power and has a pressure chamber in which a gel-like, liquid or gaseous medium is provided, a base, which on the one hand can be supported on a substrate and which on the other hand serves to hold the pressure force transducer, and at least one measuring sensor, such as a pressure sensor or a force sensor, on which the medium lies and by means of which the pressure of the medium in the Pressure chamber is measurable.

According to the invention, it is provided that the pressure force transducer comprises an elastically deformable first transducer part and a second transducer part, which are connected to one another in a positive, non-positive or integral manner; that the first sensor part comprises a wall system which serves to absorb the muscle power and delimits the pressure chamber at the top and at least partially laterally; that the second receiver part comprises an underfloor which closes off the underside of the pressure chamber and which is connected to the wall system; that the second pickup part has a lower elasticity than the first pickup part, preferably parallel to the direction in which the muscular force acts, and that the second pickup part is connected to the base in a detachable, positive or non-positive manner, or in one piece. The pressure force transducer can be manufactured in one piece or consist of two or more device parts which correspond to or differ from the first and the second transducer part. A first part of the device can be provided, for example, only as a cover for the pressure chamber, which is essentially realized inside the second part of the device. The second device part can therefore form the second pickup part and at least part of the first pickup part. The definition of the first and the second transducer part therefore refers to the finished compression force transducer after assembling the device parts, which are preferably joined and glued in a form-fitting manner, e.g. with tongues and grooves, and at the latest in this state practically form a unit.

The first transducer part essentially comprises the wall system, which has two side walls that serve to absorb muscle power, which run upwards towards one another and are connected to one another in one piece at the upper end. The opposite side walls of the wall system, which are subjected to muscle power, can run towards one another at the front and/or rear and can preferably be connected to one another in one piece. Alternatively, the two side walls can be connected at the front to a front wall and/or at the rear, preferably in one piece, to a rear wall. Advantageous shapes, such as round shapes or elliptical shapes, which are preferably adapted to the anatomy of the user, can thus be realized.

In terms of dimensions and elasticity, the wall system can advantageously be adapted to the anatomy or to the part of the user's body to be trained, so that an improved interaction between the muscles and the pressure force transducer and thus improved training results result. With the training device according to the invention, an elastic and large-area coupling of the pressure transducer to the body part of the user is possible, so that mothers who feel pain in the area of the pelvic floor muscles after the birth of a child could also carry out pelvic floor training with the training device. Painful pressure points can therefore be largely ruled out even after prolonged training.

The training device according to the invention has the advantage that the contraction or relaxation, also referred to as relaxation, of individual muscles or muscle groups can be detected more precisely and preferably also selectively, so that biofeedback training is possible for these muscles using the training device according to the invention, in which the contraction behavior of the muscles is measured, and then these muscles are strengthened through training and their responsiveness is improved.

The training device according to the invention is not only suitable for the pelvic floor muscles, but also for training the core muscles. The trunk musculature forms a supportive corset and includes the deep back muscles on the back of the trunk and the deep transverse abdominals on the front. All of the muscle groups mentioned can be beneficially influenced with the training device, with the effect on the pelvic floor muscles being the most intensive.

The training device can also be used to strengthen the hand muscles and arm muscles by compressing the pressure force transducer by contracting one hand or by the action of both hands.

In preferred configurations, the wall system is individually adapted to the user or is manufactured or tailor-made in a user-specific manner. For this purpose, an impression of the user's buttocks, for example, can be recorded and measured. Measured dimensions can then be taken into account identically or at least approximately when manufacturing the wall system. Furthermore, it can be provided that the elasticity of the side walls is not uniform but is adapted to the needs of the user. Courses can be defined taking into account a user or a user group.

Alternatively or additionally, the first pickup part can be provided with design elements, preferably made of metal or plastic are provided in outwardly open or outwardly closed receiving openings, pockets, loops, recesses or receiving grooves on the receiving part. Reinforcement parts can thus be integrated into the training device, in particular the pressure force transducer or the base, or placed on or attached to the outside thereof.

The adjustment of the dimensions of the first pickup part or of the wall system and, if necessary, a local or punctiform stiffening can therefore optionally be carried out by the user himself as desired. Furthermore, auxiliary chambers can be provided, which are guided with a medium.

In preferred configurations, the wall system comprises at least one intermediate wall, by which the pressure chamber is divided into partial chambers, which are separated from one another along the longitudinal axis or a transverse axis. The partial chambers can be connected to one another through an opening in the intermediate wall, so that they can be filled with a medium together through a transfer opening. Alternatively, the two or more partial chambers can be completely separate from one another and can be filled with the medium separately through a transfer opening each. If the sub-chambers are separated from each other by the partition perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the user can act on either the first or the second sub-chamber, which preferably differ in elasticity, by shifting the sitting position along the longitudinal axis. For example, to warm up or after fatigue, the sitting position is shifted to act on the more elastic sub-chamber.

In preferred configurations, two or more pressure force transducers, which have the same compressibility or different compressibility, can preferably be arranged coaxially one behind the other and preferably be connected to one another by a common base. The user can then select the appropriate pressure force transducer for the training.

The compression force transducer and the base connected or connectable thereto can be manufactured with an advantageous design which has a continuous surface without cracks and gaps. It advantageous designs can therefore be provided which are extremely advantageous in terms of aesthetics, training and also in terms of maintenance.

The appropriately designed training device can therefore be thoroughly cleaned with minimal effort, so that after use it is immediately available again for further use. Cracks and crevices or bumps can advantageously be avoided so that dirt and liquid cannot accumulate.

The second receiver part is used on the one hand to keep the wall system stable and on the other hand to provide a stable connection to the base. The second transducer part and/or the base can also be used to adjust the height of the compression force transducer. In addition, the second pick-up part and/or the base can be additionally reinforced.

For example, the second receiver part and/or the base are provided with outwardly closed or outwardly open openings or recesses, such as receiving grooves, into which reinforcing elements or spacer elements can be inserted in order to stabilize the second receiver part and/or the base or in the vertical to change expansion. The second pickup part and/or the base are therefore preferably elastically stretchable in the vertical direction, so that a height adjustment is possible over a relatively wide range and the training device can advantageously be adapted to users with different body dimensions.

The pressure chamber of the compression force transducer can optionally be filled with a suitable medium. For this purpose, the wall system or the underside of the second pickup part has a transfer opening, preferably provided with an access valve, through which the medium can be introduced into the pressure chamber.

In preferred configurations it is provided a) that the sensor, or b) that the sensor with the associated electronic circuit and a communication module for wireless or wired communication, or c) that the sensor with the associated electronic circuit and a communication module for wireless or wired communication and with an accumulator, or d) that the sensor with the associated electronic circuit and a communication module for wireless or wired communication, with an accumulator and with a charging coil is arranged inside or outside the pressure chamber. The electronic circuit can be arranged on a rigid or flexible printed circuit board.

If the measuring sensor and possibly associated device parts are arranged inside the pressure chamber, then the measuring sensor is in direct or indirect contact with the medium inside the pressure chamber. If the sensor and any associated device parts are arranged outside the pressure chamber, the sensor is outside the pressure chamber in direct or indirect contact with the medium that is flowing through a connecting duct, a connecting line, possibly a duct and/or a hose of any cross-section may have, is guided out of the pressure chamber. Associated device parts are, for example, an associated electronic circuit, for example an amplifier circuit, and/or a

Communication module for wireless or wired communication and/or power supply modules, such as charging coils, batteries, accumulators, power packs or the like.

The wall system or the underbody of the second pickup part preferably has at least one connection opening through which connection wires to the sensor are routed inside or at the edge of the pressure chamber or from which the connecting channel or the connection pipe or the connection hose to the sensor outside of the pressure chamber is routed. The at least one transfer opening, through which a medium was previously introduced into the pressure chamber, can also be used as a connection opening. Alternatively, a valve into which a pressure sensor is integrated can also be inserted into the transfer opening. If the sensor with the electronic circuit and the accumulator is arranged within the pressure chamber, the accumulator is preferably charged via the charging coil, which can be coupled inductively to a charging device.

In preferred configurations, at least one temperature sensor is also provided, by means of which the temperature of the medium and/or the temperature of the wall system is measured. Taking the temperature measurement into account, the measurement results of the muscle strength measurement can then be corrected.

In particularly preferred configurations, the base is designed as a seat or is connected to a seat element in one piece or in a form-fitting, detachable manner. The seat or the seat element is preferably symmetrical and preferably has the shape of a saddle.

The seat element preferably has a receiving channel along its central axis, which runs straight or inclined and into which the base with the pressure force transducer can be inserted. The base is preferably held in the receiving channel in a form-fitting, displaceable and lockable manner.

The materials used to manufacture the training device are selected in such a way that the individual parts of the training device have the required strength or elasticity. The first pickup part and the second pickup part are made of the same material or different materials. Likewise, the second pick-up part and the base are made of the same material or different materials. If different materials are used, the elasticity of the wall system and the strength of the second receiver part and the base can be adapted through the choice of material, through dimensioning and/or through the insertion of reinforcement elements. If the same materials are used, the elasticity of the wall system and the strength of the second receiver part and the base are determined by dimensioning and/or by the insertion of reinforcement elements. The first sensor part or a corresponding device part is preferably made of a first elastomer, such as silicone or rubber. The second pickup part is preferably made of a second elastomer such as silicone, rubber or plastic (such as polycarbonate). The base is preferably made from a third elastomer such as silicone, rubber or polycarbonate.

The training device according to the invention can be used by women or men, with users benefiting particularly from training.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. It shows:

1a shows a training device 9 with a pressure force transducer 1, which is manufactured in one piece or is composed of a first device part 111 and a second device part 121 and which has a first transducer part 11 and a second transducer part 12, which enclose a pressure chamber and have a base 2, the underside of which rests on a base and the top of which is connected to the second pick-up part 12;

FIG. 1b shows the training device 9 from FIG. 1a in a further preferred embodiment;

FIG. 1c shows the training device 9 from FIG.

Fig. Id the training device 9 of Fig. La in a vertical

section along its longitudinal axis;

Fig. 2, the training device 9 of Fig. Id with a

reinforcement element 4 inserted in a longitudinal opening 120 of the second pickup part 12; FIG. 3a shows the training device from FIG. 1a in a further preferred embodiment with a base 2 which has been extended to form a seat;

FIG. 3b shows the training device 9 from FIG. 3a in an exploded view; FIG.

4 shows the training device 9 from FIG.

5a shows a cross section through the training device 9 from FIG.

Fig. 5b shows the pressure force transducer 1 of the training device 9 from Fig. 5a with a longitudinal section of the front side and a cross section on the back of the first device part 111 with connecting lines 50A, 50B, which are connected on the one hand to the associated sub-chamber 10A, 10B and on the other hand to an associated sensor 51A , 51B are connected;

6a shows a training device 9 with two pressure force transducers IX, 1Y, e.g. according to FIG. 2, which are connected to one another in a coaxial manner;

FIG. 6b shows the training device from FIG. 5a in a vertical longitudinal section; FIG.

7a shows a training device 9 according to the invention according to FIG.

FIG. 7b shows the seat element 3 from FIG. 7a in a vertical longitudinal section; FIG. and 7c shows the training device 9 according to the invention inserted into the seat element 3 from FIG. 7a.

1a shows a training device 9 according to the invention, which is suitable for training body parts of a user, in particular the hip muscles, buttocks or pelvic muscles or the arm muscles.

The training device 9 comprises a pressure transducer 1 that can be deformed under the action of muscle power and is manufactured in one piece or is composed of a first device part 111 and a second device part 121 . The pressure force transducer 1 comprises a first transducer part 11 and a second transducer part 12 whose underside is connected to a base 2 .

In Fig. La a first dash-dotted line sl is drawn along the compression force transducer 1, through which the first transducer part 11 and the second transducer part 12 of the compression force transducer 1 are separated from each other. The second dash-dotted line s2 shows the connecting line between the first device part 111 and the second device part 121, which form the pressure force transducer 1 if it is not manufactured in one piece. The first dash-dotted line s1 thus relates to the separation of parts of the pressure force transducer 1 which have different functions and properties. The second dash-dotted line s2, on the other hand, relates to the assembly or manufacture of the compression force transducer 1, which is optionally in one piece or composed of several device parts. In a preferred embodiment, the dash-dotted lines s1, s2 can also be congruent. In this case, the sensor parts 11, 12 correspond exactly to the device parts 111, 121.

As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the first sensor part 11 and the second sensor part 12, optionally the first device part 111 and the second device part 112, enclose a pressure chamber 10 into which a gel-like, liquid or gaseous medium is filled. It shows that the first pickup part 11 and the second pickup part 12 are connected to one another in one piece in the area of the first dot-dash line s1. the second line s2 shows the connecting line between the first and the second device part 111, 121, which are positively and non-positively connected to one another by means of an adhesive.

To measure the medium pressure, a sensor 51 is provided, which is arranged on the underside of the pressure chamber 10 and is connected wirelessly or by wire, optionally via a measuring line 99, to a computer system 90, such as a tablet computer or a mobile phone. The measurement data are recorded and evaluated on the computer system 90 so that feedback can be given to the user. The measuring sensor 51 is arranged on an electronic circuit board 55, on which a temperature sensor 52 can also be provided, by means of which the temperature of the medium is measured.

The first sensor part 11 of the pressure force sensor 1, which is elastically deformable under the action of the user's muscles, comprises a wall system 15 which serves to absorb muscle power and delimits the pressure chamber 10 at the top and sides.

The second pickup part 12, which is connected to the base 2 in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, comprises a subfloor 16, which delimits the underside of the pressure chamber 10 and connects to the wall system 15 at the top. The second pickup part 12 preferably has a lower elasticity than the first pickup part 11 parallel to the direction in which the muscular force acts.

Fig. la shows that the training device 9 is compact and has a surface without furrows and cracks. The compression force transducer 1 cannot be identified as such from the outside. The training device 9 can therefore be manufactured in an advantageous design and in a form that is optimally adapted to the anatomy of the user. In addition, the training device 9 can be thoroughly cleaned within seconds, so that hygiene is guaranteed even if it is used intensively by several users.

Fig. La shows that the force (arrow F) in particular on the longer opposite side walls 152 of the wall system 15 done. The first device part 111 is preferably made of a particularly elastic material and/or provided with a thin wall so that the upper side of the first sensor part 11 or the wall system 15 optimally adapts to the anatomy of the user and always ensures optimal contact with all muscle groups is.

FIG. 1b shows the training device 9 from FIG. The pressure force transducer 1 can therefore be shaped as desired in order to achieve a desired aesthetic or functional effect or a desired adaptation to the user's anatomy.

Fig. 1c shows the training device 9 from Fig first pick-up part 11 forms. The interconnected first and second device parts 111, 121 enclose a pressure chamber 10 which is only accessible through a transfer opening 101.

It is shown that the second device part 121 has a peripheral groove 1210 on the upper side, which serves to accommodate a peripheral tongue that is provided on the underside of the first device part 111 . A form-fitting connection therefore results, which is preferably sealed and secured by an adhesive. Of course, other types of connection can also be used, preferably with advantageous molded parts.

A valve 6 is inserted into the transfer opening 101 through which the gaseous, liquid or gel-like medium is introduced into the pressure chamber 10 . A valve 6 is preferably used, in which a measuring sensor or pressure sensor 51, which is suitable for measuring the medium pressure, is integrated. A pressure sensor 51 is also symbolically shown, which is provided inside the pressure chamber 10 in direct contact with the medium, connected by a media line outside the pressure chamber 10 or integrated in the valve 6 . In preferred configurations, the pressure sensor 51 is integrated into the pressure chamber 10 with the associated electronics, preferably including at least one processor and one communication module, such as a Bluetooth module. The medium provided in the pressure chamber 10, for example an oil or gas, is well compatible with the corresponding module. If, on the other hand, an interaction with the medium is to be ruled out, the electronic module may be encapsulated.

The second device part 121 comprises a stable sub-floor 16 of the pressure chamber 10 and thus forms the second pickup part 12, which is hardly deformed under the influence of muscle power during training. The second receptacle part 12 or the underbody 16 of the second device part 121 is provided on the underside with shaped elements 128 which can be positively connected to shaped elements 28 on the upper side of the base 2 . The shaped elements 128, which are designed as a dovetail, for example, can be inserted into the shaped elements 28 of the base, which are designed to be complementary thereto.

The first transducer part 11 or the wall system 15 of the pressure force transducer 1 is constructed on the underbody 16 of the second transducer part 12 . The wall system 15 comprises the first device part 111 and parts of the second device part 121, in particular the side walls 152 of the wall system 15 provided for absorbing muscle power, which are integrally formed on the underbody 16.

Due to the nature of the material and in particular the relatively small wall thickness of the side walls 152 compared to the thickness of the underbody 16, the wall system 15 is relatively easily deformable perpendicularly to the side walls 152, at least when muscle power is applied, so that it is essentially kept in shape by the counter-pressure of the medium which is preferably measured continuously.

1c also shows that the side walls 152 are provided with one or more receiving openings 110 into which design elements 41 can be inserted to reinforce, shape or dimension the wall system 15. Through the design element 41 shown schematically the corresponding side wall 152 can be stabilized and/or widened.

The user can therefore adapt the training device 9 to her current needs with little effort. For example, at the beginning of a training period, high flexibility of the side walls 152 may be desired. After a strengthening of the muscular system due to intensive training, the user may want a wall system 15 with reduced flexibility, which can be achieved by inserting the design elements 41.

If the wall system 15 is too narrow at the beginning of the exercise recording, design elements 41 can be used by which the thickness or strength of the side walls 152 is increased. The design elements 41 can therefore be used advantageously for dimensioning the compression force transducer 1

In preferred configurations, closable receiving openings 110 are provided, into which a medium, for example the medium of the pressure chamber 10, can be introduced. The receiving openings 110 are provided as auxiliary chambers into which air can be pressed, for example by means of an air pump. The user can therefore pump air into the auxiliary chambers 110 and then let it escape through a valve 6 until the wall system 15 reaches the desired dimensions. The dimensioning of the wall system 15 can be changed significantly with just one auxiliary chamber 110 or two symmetrically arranged auxiliary chambers 110 . An auxiliary chamber 110 can be provided in the first device part 111 in a particularly advantageous manner. A gaseous, liquid or gel-like medium can be introduced into the auxiliary chamber 110 there through a transfer opening 1110, preferably provided with a valve 6, in order to change the dimensions of the first device part 111 and adapt the upper area of the pressure force transducer 1 to the anatomy of the user.

In preferred embodiments, the pressure in at least one of the auxiliary chambers 110 can also be measured. As a result, the selected dimensioning of the wall system 15 can be checked on the one hand. On the other hand, it is possible to have different effects on the Wall system 15 to measure individually. In the auxiliary chamber 110, which is optionally provided in the first device part 111, it is possible in particular to measure forces which act vertically on the wall system 15 from above. Measuring these vertical forces makes it possible to determine whether the user has assumed the usual position. In addition, the measurement and evaluation of forces acting laterally on the side walls 152 can be corrected, taking into account the forces acting vertically. If a higher force is exerted on the pressure sensor from above, the pressure in the pressure chamber 10 can increase without muscular force being exerted on the side walls 152 .

The possibilities described for the configuration of the pressure force transducer 1 confirm further essential advantages of the invention.

FIG. 1d shows the training device 9 from FIG. 1a in a vertical section along its longitudinal axis with the valve 6 removed from the transfer opening 101.

FIG. 2 shows the training device 9 from FIG. The front wall is shown to have a greater thickness than the side walls 152, which are slightly thinner than the rear wall 153. Together, the front wall 151, the rear wall 153 and the side walls 152 form the wall system 15 in the manner of a dome attached to the Underside is completed by the underbody 16 of the second pickup part 12 and the second part 121 of the device.

A reinforcement element 4 is inserted into a longitudinal opening 120 of the second receiving part 12 in the underbody 16 . By inserting the rod-shaped reinforcement element 4, the stability of the second pickup part 12 or the underbody 16 can be significantly increased. By inserting one or more reinforcement elements 4 in the second pickup part 12 or the underbody 16, the compression force pickup 1 can be raised accordingly. At the back, the reinforcing element 4 is provided with a head piece 41 which Rear wall 153 stabilized and optionally covered. The head piece is shown in dot-dash lines as a plate 41 which optionally connects to the rear wall 153 .

After the reinforcement element 4 has been removed, the underbody 16 and the rear wall 153 contract by the amount of the reinforcement element 4.

2 also shows that the wall system 15 can have a transfer slot 1510 through which a shaped element 100 (shown in phantom), which is optionally used to form the pressure chamber 10, can be removed after the pressure force transducer 1 has been produced. For example, an inflated mold member 100 is used which can be cut open and removed through the transfer slot 1510.

Fig. 3a shows the training device 9 of Fig. La in a further preferred embodiment with a base 2, which was expanded to a seat. The second transducer part 12 creates a stable connection between the pressure force transducer 1 and the base 2, which has wings 25 that project far outwards on both sides and form an elastic seat pad. Below the base 2 there is a base plate 20 which ensures a non-slip connection of the base 2 to the ground. The base plate 20 is, for example, a rubber plate or plastic plate which is connected to the base 2 in a fixed or detachable manner.

FIG. 3b shows the training device 9 from FIG. 1a in an exploded view.

FIG. 4, to which reference has already been made above, shows the training device 9 from FIG. Instead of a connecting pipe 50, a connecting channel can also be provided, which is formed into the pressure force transducer 1, e.g. into the underbody 16.

The sensors 51, 52 can be arranged on a circuit board 55 on which other electronic components and, if necessary, a Accumulator or a battery is provided. For example, a transmission module is provided, by means of which measured values are transmitted wirelessly to the computer system 90 . For example, a Bluetooth connection between the training device 9 and the computer system 90 is automatically established.

As is shown in FIG. 4, the base 2 can be flush with the underside of the pressure force transducer 1 or can also partially overlap it. In an optional embodiment, the base 2 covers the underbody 16 and a part of the wall system 15 with a lip 21 . The pressure force transducer 1 can be held and/or stabilized in a form-fitting manner by means of these optional elements. The pressure force transducer 1 can therefore only be connected to the base 2 in a form-fitting manner in this way. The part of the base 2 shown in a sectional representation as well as the optionally added parts 21, 22 are shown with the same hatching.

FIG. 5a shows a cross section through the training device 9 from FIG. The two partial chambers 10A, 10B can be connected to one another through an opening in the intermediate wall 154 or can be completely separated from one another. The intermediate wall 154 stabilizes the pressure force transducer 1 with regard to forces acting vertically from above, without reducing the elasticity of the pressure force transducer 1 with regard to forces acting laterally.

Fig. 5b shows the pressure force transducer 1 of the training device 9 from Fig. 5a with a longitudinal section in the rear section and with a cross section in the front section of the first device part 111 on the other hand are connected to an associated measuring sensor 51A, 51B. Using the measuring sensors 51A, 51B, asymmetric effects on the compressive force transducer 1 can be measured and corresponding corrective measures can be initiated. The user can be advised to correct the sitting posture and to activate the muscles evenly.

6a shows a training device 9 with two pressure transducers IX, 1Y, e.g. according to FIG. 2, which are connected to one another and aligned coaxially with one another. The compressive force transducers IX, 1Y preferably have different properties, so that training can be carried out with the first or with the second compressive force transducer IX, 1Y as required. For example, the first compression force transducer IX is more elastic than the second compression force transducer 1Y. The two pressure transducers IX, 1Y can also be dimensioned differently or adapted to the processing of specific muscle groups.

FIG. 6b shows the training device from FIG. 5a in a vertical longitudinal section with the separate pressure chambers 10X, 10Y, which are provided with a valve 6 and a sensor 51X, 51Y.

FIG. 7a shows a training device 9 according to the invention according to FIG. The seat element 3 has the shape of a saddle and is provided along its longitudinal axis with a receiving channel 30 into which the training device 9 is inserted and appropriately positioned. The base 2 of the pressure force transducer 1 is provided with grooves 27 on both sides, into which ribs 37 directed towards one another and which are provided in the receiving channel 30 can engage. An optional raster 38 is provided on the underside of the receiving channel 30 , which corresponds to a raster on the underside of the base 2 . As soon as the user sits down on the pressure force transducer 9, the detents 28, 38 interlock and block the pressure force transducer in the respective position. By reducing the acting weight, the pressure force transducer 1 can be detached from the ratchet 38, moved and fixed again. The receiving channel 30 preferably runs at an incline, so that the displacement of the training device 9 also changes its height.

Fig. 7b shows the seat element 3 of Fig. 7a in a vertical longitudinal section with the raster 38 and a wing element 37. FIG. 7c shows the training device 9 according to the invention inserted into the seat element 3 of FIG. 7a.

7a also illustrates that the training device 9 is also suitable for training the hand muscles or the arm muscles. The pressure force transducer 1 can be compressed with one hand or between both hands in order to strengthen the hand muscles or arm muscles.

Claims

patent claims

1. Training device (9) for training the pelvic floor muscles and optionally other body parts of a user, comprising a pressure force transducer (1) which can be deformed under the action of muscle power and has a pressure chamber (10) in which a gel-like, liquid or gaseous medium is provided, a base ( 2), which on the one hand can be supported on a substrate and which on the other hand serves to hold the pressure force transducer (1), and at least one sensor (51), such as a pressure sensor or a force sensor, on which the medium is in contact and by means of which the pressure of the medium in of the pressure chamber (10) can be measured, characterized in that the pressure force transducer (1) comprises an elastically deformable first transducer part (11) and a second transducer part (12) which are connected to one another in a positive, non-positive or integral manner; that the first sensor part (11) comprises a wall system (15) which serves to absorb the muscle power and delimits the pressure chamber (10) at the top and at least partially laterally; that the second receiver part (12) comprises an underside (16) which delimits the underside of the pressure chamber (10) and which adjoins the wall system (15); that the second pickup part (12), preferably parallel to the direction in which the muscular force acts, has less elasticity than the first pickup part (11); and in that the second pickup part (12) is connected to the base (2) in a detachable, positive or non-positive manner, or in one piece.

2. Training device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall system (15) has two serving to absorb muscle power side walls (152) which extend upwardly towards one another and are integrally connected to one another at the upper end.

3. Training device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a) that the two side walls (152) run towards one another at the front and/or rear and are connected to one another; or b) that the two side walls (152) are connected at the front to a front wall (153) and/or at the rear to a rear wall (151).

4. Training device (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the two side walls (152) have a uniform or a non-uniform, preferably continuously or gradually changing thickness over the entire area and/or that the wall system (15) is custom-made according to the needs of the user.

5. Training device (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the wall system (15) or the sub-floor

(16) has at least one transfer opening (101), preferably provided with an access valve (6), through which the medium can be introduced into the pressure chamber (10); the transfer opening (101) preferably also serving as a connection opening (102) for the sensor (51; 51A, 51B).

6. Training device (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that a) that the sensor (51), or b) that the sensor (51) with the associated electronic circuit and a communication module for wireless or wired communication, or c) that the sensor (51) with the associated electronic circuit and a communication module for wireless or wired communication and with an accumulator, or d) that the sensor (51) with the associated electronic circuit and a communication module for wireless or wired communication, with an accumulator and with a charging coil is arranged outside or inside the pressure chamber (10).

7. Training device (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the sensor (51) and optionally associated parts of the device is arranged within the pressure chamber (10) and is in direct or indirect contact with the medium within the pressure chamber; or that the sensor (51) and any associated device parts are arranged outside the pressure chamber (10) and outside the pressure chamber (10) are in direct or indirect contact with the medium which is fed through a connecting duct or through a connecting hose or a connecting pipe (50, 50A, 50B) to the sensor (51; 51A, 51B) outside the pressure chamber (10), the wall system (15) or the subfloor (16) preferably having at least one connection opening or a connection channel (102) through which connection wires to the Sensor (51) or to the associated electronic circuit within the pressure chamber (10) are performed.

8. Training device (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the wall system (15) has at least one intermediate wall (154) through which the pressure chamber (10) is divided into sub-chambers (10A, 10B) through an opening through which the medium can pass are connected to one another and which can be filled with the medium together through a transfer opening (101; 202); or that the wall system (15) has at least one partition (154) through which the pressure chamber (10) is divided into partial chambers (10A, 10B), which are separate from one another and can be filled with the medium separately through a transfer opening (101; 102) each are.

9. Training device (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the first pickup part (11) has at least one outwardly closed receiving opening (110), such as a pocket, or an outwardly open receiving opening (110), such as a Receiving groove having, in the at least one

Design element (41), preferably made of metal or plastic, can be inserted, by means of which the wall system (15) can be modified in terms of dimensioning and/or strength.

10. Training device (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the second pickup part (12) has at least one outwardly closed receiving opening (120), such as a pocket, or an outwardly open receiving opening (120), such as a Receiving groove having, in the at least one

reinforcement element (4), preferably made of metal or plastic, can be inserted; to reinforce the second transducer part (12) or to adjust the height of the compressive force transducer (1).

11. Training device (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that at least two pressure transducers (1A,

1B), which have the same compressibility or different compressibility, are preferably arranged coaxially one behind the other and are preferably connected to one another by a common base (2).

12. Training device (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that the base (2) is designed as a seat or that the base (2) is integrally or detachably connected to a seat element (3) and that the seat or the preferably symmetrically designed seat element (3) preferably has the shape of a saddle.

13. Training device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the seat element (3) along its central axis

receiving channel (30) which runs straight or inclined and into which the base (2) with the pressure force transducer (1) can be inserted and that the base (2) is held in the receiving channel (30) in a form-fitting, displaceable and lockable manner.

14. Training device (1) according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the first pickup part (11) and the second pickup part (12) are made of the same materials or of different materials and/or that the second pickup part (12) and the base (2) from the same

Material or are made of different materials.

15. Training device (1) according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that the first pickup part (11) is made of a first elastomer, such as silicone or rubber, and / or that the second pickup part (12) from a second Elastomer such as silicone, rubber or plastic (e.g. polycarbonate), and/or that the base (2) is made of a third elastomer such as silicone, rubber or polycarbonate.